Blackjacks quarterback Randy Hippeard will be looking to crank up the passing game. (Courtesy of Atlantic City Blackjacks Facebook page)
The Atlantic City Blackjacks (3-4) travel to Philadelphia to play the Soul (3-4) on Sunday, June 16, at the Wells Fargo Center. Kickoff is 4 p.m.
Following are keys to the game:
BACK ON TRACK: The Blackjacks need to bounce back after their tough loss to Columbus in Week 7. With only being one win out of second place as of now, a win against Philadelphia is a big understatement. The Blackjacks have the same record as the Soul through seven weeks and these two teams will meet once more in Atlantic City on July 6. Every game from here on out will be big, but especially when playing a team that has the same record and is fighting for a playoff spot.
PLAY SMARTER:
The first time these teams played was to open the season in Week 1. This was the first real action the Blackjacks played in as a collective unit. Though the Blackjacks only lost by a touchdown, a win was very much possible and a few costly mistakes occurred.
Blackjacks quarterback Randy Hippeard threw two pick-sixes to James Romain and that can’t happen this time around. Hippeard looked great in Week 7, connecting with LaMark Brown for five touchdowns. If the Blackjacks can play smarter than they did in Week 1, that will be a step in the right direction towards a victory.
LEAGUE BEST: The Blackjacks come into Week 8 allowing the least amount of passing yards per game with 198.9. The next best team allows more than 30 yards per game. On the other side of stats, the Blackjacks are allowing 43.9 points per contest, which is tied with Columbus for most in the league. If the team can limit the special teams mistakes and stop the run game effectively, they can focus on Philadelphia quarterback Dan Raudabaugh and the pass game and hopefully keep points off the board for the Soul.
START A STREAK: So far this season the Blackjacks have traded wins and losses each week. Now in the second half of the season and towards the bottom of the standings, the team needs to start stringing together victories and move into a playoff spot.
